Bills release Mario Williams

The Buffalo Bills have released defensive end Mario Williams, the team announced Tuesday.

Williams had one of the least productive seasons of his career in 2015, registering just five sacks, and clashed often with head coach Rex Ryan, causing many to question the former No. 1 overall pick's future with the team.

Ryan was expected to take the Bills' talented defensive front to a whole new level, but instead they struggled to adapt to his scheme. Williams was openly critical of him, placing the defense's struggles firmly on his head coach's shoulders.

Williams said previously, however, he was open to finding a way to stay in Buffalo, but the two parties were presumably unable to reach a compromise on a restructure for his large cap number.

The 31-year-old had a cap hit of $19.9 million in 2016, which was unworkable given the Bills' cap woes.

By releasing Williams, the Bills save $12.9 million.

The Bills also released running back Boobie Dixon and guard Kraig Urbik. Tight end MarQueis Gray, a restricted free agent, is on his way out as well, according to Tyler Dunne of The Buffalo News.